Elephant & Castle’s Latin American Market Finds a New Home in Walworth
When the Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre shut its doors in 2020, it wasn’t just the end of a retail space, it was the loss of a cultural hub for London’s Latin American community. For years, the shopping centre was home to small businesses, family-run eateries, and vibrant market stalls, many of which found themselves without a place to trade. Now, after tireless community campaigning, a new market has opened in Walworth, bringing back some of that much-loved Latin flavour.
The Elephant Passage Market launched last week in Liverpool Grove, Walworth, with a ‘Multicolor Carnival’ celebrating its arrival. Visitors were met with Colombian coffee, jewellery stalls, and fresh tacos, all set against a backdrop of music and community spirit. Organisers have called it “a space where small businesses can thrive again”, making it clear that this market isn’t just about selling goods—it’s about restoring a lost sense of home.
“Seeing this space come to life felt like a dream turned reality, a place where our community’s talent, resilience, and hustle get a spotlight,”
said Jenn Mejia, founder of Latina Rising, the group that helped make the market a reality. The sentiment is echoed by many of the traders, some of whom previously ran businesses in the now-demolished shopping centre and have struggled to find affordable new premises.
For decades, Elephant and Castle’s shopping centre was a cornerstone of Latin American life in London, with businesses like the beloved Colombian restaurant La Bodeguita, famous for its Friday night dinner dances. However, its closure was long in the making. Southwark Council’s regeneration plans attracted developers eager to transform the site, promising nearly 1,000 new homes and retail spaces. But not everyone was convinced. Many residents and traders saw it as a gentrification project that prioritised corporate interests over the local community.
When the final demolition plans were set in motion in January 2020, the council pledged £200,000 to support displaced businesses. Some traders moved to temporary locations like Castle Square, but many simply couldn’t afford to set up elsewhere. The opening of the Elephant Passage Market offers a long-overdue lifeline, bringing together traders, food vendors, and artisans in a space where they can once again connect with customers.
Open every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm, the market is already drawing a steady crowd. Organisers are keen to expand opportunities for entrepreneurs and volunteers to get involved, ensuring the market continues to grow and serve as a celebration of London’s thriving Latin American culture.
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